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Michael Baigent Obituary

LONDON (AP) - Writer Michael Baigent, who gained attention for launching a lawsuit contending that "The Da Vinci Code" stole ideas from his own book, has died of a brain hemorrhage at age 65.

Baigent co-wrote the 1982 nonfiction book "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail," which explores theories that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, the couple had a child and the bloodline survives.

In 2006 Baigent and co-author Richard Leigh made international headlines when they sued Dan Brown's publisher for copyright infringement, claiming that Brown "appropriated the architecture" of their book. Brown had to fly to London to be cross-examined in court, but a judge eventually ruled against Baigent and Leigh.

Baigent's family said Monday the author, from New Zealand, died on Jun. 17 in Brighton in southern England.

LONDON (AP) - Writer Michael Baigent, who gained attention for launching a lawsuit contending that "The Da Vinci Code" stole ideas from his own book, has died of a brain hemorrhage at age 65.

Baigent co-wrote the 1982 nonfiction book "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail," which explores theories that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, the couple had a child and the bloodline survives.

In 2006 Baigent and co-author Richard Leigh made international headlines when they sued Dan Brown's publisher for copyright infringement, claiming that Brown "appropriated the architecture" of their book. Brown had to fly to London to be cross-examined in court, but a judge eventually ruled against Baigent and Leigh.

Baigent's family said Monday the author, from New Zealand, died on Jun. 17 in Brighton in southern England.

Guest Book Highlights

"Please accept my sincere condolences and sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends. May the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such an untimely loss of a very precious life please accept my deepest..." (GA)

"May the God who gives comfort to all for the asking grant the family peace in this difficult time. May Mr. Baigent sleep in peace."- steele (IL)

"I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)"- JW (FL)

"With our deepest condolences. (Psalms 83:18)"- R. Pettigrew (CO)

"With deepest sympathy to the Baigent family during your time of grief...God is for you a "refuge and strength," A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with "peace and comfort" to endure the days ahead...(Psalm..." (GA)